TRENDS Dispensary Pioneers AI-Powered Product Guidance with “Relief IQ” Launch
TRENDS, a prominent cannabis dispensary located in Queens, New York, has made history by becoming the first U.S. dispensary to introduce “Relief IQ,” an innovative AI-powered wellness technology. This cutting-edge platform is designed to demystify the cannabis shopping experience, offering customers personalized, research-informed guidance to help them select products aligned with their wellness objectives.
Revolutionizing the Cannabis Consumer Experience
For many consumers, navigating the vast array of cannabis products can be an overwhelming task, often leading to confusion and intimidation. Relief IQ aims to transform this by providing a seamless, intuitive, and educational pathway to product discovery. The system allows customers to input their desired wellness outcomes – such as promoting relaxation, supporting rest, or enhancing focus – via a tablet, kiosk, or their personal mobile device.
Once these goals are identified, Relief IQ leverages its artificial intelligence capabilities to synthesize publicly available cannabinoid research. It then cross-references this scientific data with TRENDS’ real-time inventory to generate tailored product recommendations within seconds. This approach ensures that customers are presented with products that are not only relevant to their needs but also readily available for purchase, empowering them to make confident and intentional choices.
Blending Technology with Personal Service
Rodney “Hurricane” Carter Jr., CEO of TRENDS, emphasized the dispensary’s commitment to innovation, stating, “Relief IQ represents the next step in how customers can explore cannabis, blending technology with personal service so every purchase feels confident and intentional”. While the AI platform provides data-driven insights, it complements, rather than replaces, the human connection with knowledgeable budtenders. The integration of Relief IQ aims to enhance the interaction, providing staff with a powerful tool to better support customers’ informed decision-making.
TRENDS: A Hub for Education and Community
TRENDS, co-founded by brothers Rodney and Brandon Carter, is more than just a retail space; it strives to be a cultural and community hub. The dispensary aims to destigmatize cannabis and foster inclusivity through education and a welcoming environment. Beyond its retail offerings, TRENDS hosts a robust cultural calendar featuring events like yoga, comedy shows, and educational workshops, further cementing its role as a community-focused establishment. This initiative with Relief IQ aligns with the Carter brothers’ broader mission to encourage informed choices and create a more accessible cannabis culture.
The Broader Impact of AI in Cannabis Retail
The launch of Relief IQ by TRENDS signals a significant advancement in the integration of AI within the cannabis industry. AI-powered recommendation engines are becoming increasingly vital in cannabis retail, capable of analyzing customer data, purchase history, and preferences to offer personalized experiences. These technologies can increase customer satisfaction, reduce decision-making time, and drive sales by making product discovery more efficient and tailored. As the cannabis market continues to grow and evolve, technologies like Relief IQ are setting a new trend for how dispensaries can leverage AI to enhance consumer engagement and provide research-backed guidance, making the journey into cannabis exploration more informed and less intimidating for all. Relief IQ is powered by Gojitech and is intended for educational purposes only.

